Frugal Fashion Friday - Making the Most of Seasonal Sales

The stores are full of sales right now. They are clearing out their spring and summer items to make room for fall and winter. It's the perfect time to grab items that you can wear now but also transition to fall. Two of my favorite stores for sales and items are Talbots and Nordstrom.  They both carry clothing in all size ranges and items that appeal to all styles and ages. I could have filled pages and pages with items I'd love to own but here are just a few of my favorites.

 

I've been in love with these House of Harlow 1961 Chelsea sunglasses for ages. It's rare to find them on sale. Nordstrom just posted this color for $91. This flowy blouse is light enough for a summer evening but edgy with the added faux leather collar and cuffs. Wear it now with some shorts or later with pants. I had to throw in this awesome skull wrap bracelet. I love them, no matter the season. I rarely wear shorts, except for cut offs at the beach. I would consider wearing these longer Bermuda shorts and they'd even look cute when the weather begins to cool, with a blazer. Converse are seasonless and this edgier version with studs is great. I've been looking for a neutral tote. This Michael Kors design is sophisticated and versatile. Full skirts are flattering on all body types. I would wear this one with a graphic tee now and with a pretty sweater later. These printed pants will transition well from summer to fall. Just change up the topper and your shoes. You can also dress them up or down. There are so many ways to transition items from summer to fall. With just a change in the pieces you pair the item with, you can take it from warm weather to cool weather.

If you order, make sure to save even more by using a site like ebates.com. Ebates will pay you a cash % for each of your purchases. Just go to ebates before you shop, create an account and a select that retailer.  Also, search for free shipping or discount codes for your shopping by goggling the store name and discount code or free shipping.

Have you been eyeing any fun items during all of the sales?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Bordeaux

The beauty of the bordeaux trend is that it looks great on all skin types.  It's a flattering color. There are so many items to be found in this rich, deep red.  You can take your pick. Select a little with a scarf, shoes, or a top or go all out with a dress, or skirt.  Try a hint of bordeaux with deep red lips or nails. It's simple to make this trend work for you.  I'll be embracing the bordeaux trend every weekend during football season.  My favorite team, the Washington Redskins, is all about the burgundy and gold.  If you still own a vintage Etienne Aigner bag or shoes, now is the time to pull them out.

Express Ruffle top / Asos Peplum top / Ann Taylor skinny pants / ASOS lace skirt / Chinese Laundry platform heels / Elie Tahari smoking slippers / ASOS cross body bag / ASOS studded clutch purse / Vigotti ballet flats / Asos Textured Knit Snood / Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Crush / L'Oreal Polish Haute Couture Red

I selected a few items that are perfect for fall.  They are an affordable way to embrace the trend without blowing your budget.  You can select an item or two and still have money left to try out the other fall trends, I'll be featuring this week.  Go girly with a lace skirt or stay menswear comfy with smoking slippers.  A simple top is an easy way to wear bordeaux.  Just throw it on with your favorite jeans. Work or weekend, everyone looks great in bordeaux.

Swap Sunday - My Haul

On Sunday I attended the Frugal Fashionista Clothing Swap. The exciting part of a swap is that you never know what you might find. I went to the swap hoping for a skirt. I found one I really liked but it was cut way too short for my taste and my legs. Instead I found some other fantastic pieces. I scored two sweaters, two tops and a dress! 

Orange Eyelet Sweater - Lane Bryant

Fuchsia Cropped Cardigan - Torrid

Graphic Tee - PePe

Multi Striped Shell - Mossimo for Target

Khaki Shirt Dress (new with tags) - Speed Contronl NY

I didn't find a skirt but the shirt dress has a full skirt and I'll be able to wear it spring through fall. The shape is perfect for me. I'll get lots of wear out of the sweaters and tops. I can even wear the two sweaters with the two tops. It was a great afternoon of free shopping. I got rid of some unwanted items and got some fun new items (well new to me).

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl (part 2)

The second part of our Spring Picks list includes some truly timeless pieces.  Neutrals, white, a Breton striped top. Bold colors that scream Spring and Summer. Neutral booties to give you the illusion of super model, long, legs.


TOP SPRING PICKS
1. a solid color flowy maxi skirt
2. wide leg jeans
3. anything 70's inspired
4. biker jacket (leather or faux leather, whatever fits your budget)
5. a sheer sweater (for layering)
6. neutrals in pale tans or blushes (pants or skirt)
7. a Breton striped top
8. bold color tops and bottoms (vary this depending on your life)
9. a pair of neutral booties that can be dressed up or down, heel height is a preference
10. white pants, skirt, or dress


EXTRAS
1. cat eye sunglasses
2. big bangle bracelets
3. anything rose gold
4. obi belts or wide sashes
5. colorful scarves
6. lady like bags

To view the buying information for the options, click on the picture. It will take you to a site where you can click on each item and get the details.

Neutrals can be worn forever, if you pick smartly tailored and basic pieces, like a pencil skirt or a wide leg trouser.  A light blush can be a neutral because it can be worn with some many other colors.

Coco Chanel made the Breton striped top popular more than 60 years ago, talk about timeless.  You can find Breton tops in many colors but I prefer the traditional navy and white.

A colorful item can be mixed with basics to brighten any outfit. They make me feel like Spring.

Many times darker booties can make your legs look shorter. A neutral bootie can actually lengthen your legs and make them appear longer, if you have lighter skin. If your skin is darker go for a brown or cocoa colored bootie. There are options in many heel heights. Pick one that fits your lifestyle and preference.

A beautiful white dress in a simple silhouette is a girl's best friend. It can be worn to a party, a summer dinner or in the evening with a bright cardigan. Despite popular belief, white can be flattering on every body type. Fit is key. make sure the item it's too clingy and that you wear the right undergarments. Nothing will ruin a great outfit more than visible panty lines. Embarassing.

Next up, the extras. You know how I love accessories. Stay tuned...